Otterly Fun with Clay

Most of us spend a lot of time in front of the computer each day, and find little time for any other matters.

Ong Sze Sze, our clay art Maker for Singapore Mini Maker Faire 2014, shared that while she is not stuck by the screen, she enjoys making little toys or going outdoors for a stroll or to cycle.

She also enjoys thinking of new craft projects to embark on.

Why clay art?

Sze Sze shared that she started her love for clay figurines when she was in Primary 4, when she first saw a paperclay flowerpot at her friend’s place. She was astounded that it was handmade and henceforth opened up her mind about making her own toys, something particularly exciting for her since she was not allowed to buy a lot of toys as a child. She was further elated to find out that she can have plenty of fun making a lot of things with just 500gm of clay at only $2! It is a hobby that stuck with her until now even though the price of the clay has doubled since then.

Interest in the Singapore Mini Maker Faire

Sze Sze found out about the Singapore Mini Maker Faire online, through the main Maker Faire website. She attended last year’s event at SCAPE although she regretted having insufficient time to check out everything. With her limited time, she managed to check out several 3D printing and arduino-related booths. While she found them interesting, she thought they can also engage audience by printing items to tell a story or game pieces for a game, so that visitors can imagine more. It is a good idea and I think some of our friends doing the 3D printing are already doing something like this! Hopefully Sze Sze will get the opportunity to meet them.

Sze Sze’s showcase and workshops at the Singapore Mini Maker Faire

Sze Sze will be showcasing the Xmas Kids series, some animals and customised Lego figurines. She is also working on more figurines to be showcased at the Faire at Senja-Cashew CC as many of her previous makes were either sold or given away.

Besides showcasing some of her makes, Sze Sze will also be conducting “Otterly Fun with Clay”, a 90-minute workshop on both days of the Singapore Mini Maker Faire to make your own clay pet otter. The workshop places would be limited and it would be a perfect opportunity for you to get hands-on with clay crafting!

Aspirations for the local maker movement

When asked about her thoughts about the maker movement here, she is hopeful that it would one day grow to be as big scale as the original Bay Area Maker Faire, making crazy things on huge scale, such as a giant Rube Goldberg machine!

To find out more about Sze Sze’s clay work, check out her blog at sswoss.blogspot.com. Find out more about her class at the Singapore Mini Maker Faire here!

Call for Makers Maker Faire 2015

Make n Speak Hackathon

In this unique camp, co-organized by Science Centre and Kidz Parade magazine, children (10-12 years) learn to propose and build solutions for a sustainable life and learn how learn how technologies can be used to develop smart solutions. Children also learn to communicate about their projects, participate in discussions and write about their work for a chance to get published! This is a day camp, 10am-4pm. Lunch will be provided. For more details click here